A CABBIE was robbed of his vehicle as he stopped to pick up a fare and police are now trying to trace the stolen car.

The incident happened on Saturday evening after the driver got out of his Toyota Verso car, leaving the engine running.

Police say he was pushed from behind, causing him to fall over and the blue car, registered YR60 VVO was then driven off.

The incident happened in Dale Lane, Heckmondwike, and the car was last seen heading towards White Lee road.

West Yorkshire Police now want to trace a man aged early 20s, five feet six inches tall and of medium build in connection with the incident.

It is thought he got out of a light coloured car with a different coloured roof. That car made off in the direction of White Lee Road and was followed by the taxi.

DC Richard Brooke of Kirklees CID, said: “This incident happened at a busy time on a Saturday night and I am appealing to anyone in the area who witnessed it or who saw any suspicious activity. A local taxi driver is now without his main means of earning a living.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101.